Teacher's blog + Teaching tips | The Guardianhttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog+teaching-tips
Indexen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015Wed, 04 Mar 2015 00:43:03 GMT2015-03-04T00:43:03Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015The Guardianhttp://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttp://www.theguardian.com
How to teach … immigrationhttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/24/how-to-teach-immigration
<p>Educating students about the UK’s diverse mix of cultures promotes inclusion and tolerance. Take your pick of our resources</p><p>London is made up of more than 270 nationalities with more than <a href="http://www.standard.co.uk/news/270-nationalities-and-300-different-languages-how-a-united-nations-of-workers-is-driving-london-forward-6572417.html">300 languages now spoken in the capital’s schools</a>, so what does it really mean to be British?</p><p>Teaching students about the UK’s diverse population is a good way to promote inclusion and tolerance in class, and there are plenty of ideas on how to tackle the topic of immigration on the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/">Guardian Teacher Network</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/24/how-to-teach-immigration">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationTeaching tipsSchoolsTeachingPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsMon, 24 Nov 2014 17:03:34 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/24/how-to-teach-immigrationPhotograph: AlamyEducate your students about the benefits and challenges of living in a multicultural society with our teaching resources. Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyEducate your students about the benefits and challenges of living in a multicultural society with our teaching resources. Photograph: AlamyGuardian Staff2014-11-24T17:03:34ZHow to teach … anti-bullyinghttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/17/how-to-teach-anti-bullying
<p>As Anti-Bullying Week gets under way, here’s our guide for teachers on how to encourage inclusion and respect in your classroom</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/nov/11/anti-bullying-share-experiences-stories">Share your experiences via GuardianWitness</a><br></li></ul><p>Children with special educational needs (SEN) are <a href="http://www.ioe.ac.uk/newsEvents/100814.html">twice as likely as other young people to suffer persistent bullying</a>, according to research by the Institute of Education. </p><p>The <a href="http://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/">Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA)</a>, the organisation that coordinates national <a href="http://www.antibullyingweek.co.uk/">Anti-Bullying Week</a> which runs until Friday 21 November, is focusing on stopping all bullying, including disabled children and those with SEN. This week we’ve put together<strong> </strong>a collection of lesson ideas and resources to help teachers tackle bullying head on.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/17/how-to-teach-anti-bullying">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationTeaching tipsTeachingBullyingSchoolsChildrenPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsCyberbullyingMon, 17 Nov 2014 18:32:16 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/17/how-to-teach-anti-bullyingPhotograph: AlamyFrom cyberbullying to the bullying of students with special educational needs, there are plenty of resources to help teachers. Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyFrom cyberbullying to the bullying of students with special educational needs, there are plenty of resources to help teachers. Photograph: AlamyGuardian Teacher Network2014-11-17T18:32:16ZHow to teach … careers advicehttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/10/how-to-teach-careers-advice
<p>It can be difficult to know where to start for teachers offering advice to students about their future career prospects. Here are our best resources on the subject</p><p>Every school has a duty to provide their <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/careers-guidance-advice-for-schools">students with careers advice</a>. But, with teachers managing burdensome workloads and specialising in their own subject and profession, it can be hard for them to know where to look for information about the wider jobs market.</p><p>Choosing a career is a daunting task for students, and not everyone knows what they want to do with their lives – especially at such a young age.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/10/how-to-teach-careers-advice">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationSchoolsPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsCareersTeachingTeaching tipsMon, 10 Nov 2014 17:00:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/10/how-to-teach-careers-advicePhotograph: /AlamyFor students choosing which career path to follow can be far from clear. Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: /AlamyFor students choosing which career path to follow can be far from clear. Photograph: AlamyGuardian Staff2014-11-10T17:00:02ZHow can teachers get a better work-life balance? – live chathttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/07/teacher-work-life-balance-live-chat
<p>For practical tips on how to be a great teacher and have a life (without feeling guilty), join our live chat on <strong>Wednesday November 12 from 5.30-7.30pm </strong><br>• <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GRBH95C">Help contribute to research and take our survey on teacher workloads</a><br></p><p>Teacher workloads have received government attention of late with deputy prime minister <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/oct/22/nick-clegg-teachers-bureaucracy-education">Nick Clegg vowing to rein in the “runaway train of bureaucracy”</a> that harasses the profession.</p><p>While traditionally it has been assumed that teachers clock off at 3pm, Clegg noted that teachers actually work an average of 50 hours or more a week, spending much of their time balancing detailed lesson planning with marking, filling out reports and organising extra-curricular activities for students.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/07/teacher-work-life-balance-live-chat">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationTeachingWork-life balanceWork & careersTeaching tipsSchoolsPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsFri, 07 Nov 2014 07:00:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/07/teacher-work-life-balance-live-chatPhotograph: AlamyJuggling teaching with having a social life can be exhausting – join the conversation by sharing your tips on managing work-life balance.Photograph: AlamyJuggling teaching with having a social life can be exhausting – join the conversation by sharing your tips on managing work-life balance.Sarah Marsh2014-11-07T07:00:06ZTechniques for technophobes: how to digitally remix classic lesson activitieshttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/05/remix-traditional-classroom-activities-teaching-tips
<p>From collages to story cubes, teacher Rachel Jones gives five easy ways to replace traditional lesson tools with digital alternatives</p><p>The secret to successfully using technology in the classroom is having the confidence to try out new things – it’s all about trial and error, and being comfortable adapting ideas if they are not working. Often you don’t have to decide between using tech or not – you can blend different approaches. Here are five ways of digitally remixing analogue teaching activities:</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/05/remix-traditional-classroom-activities-teaching-tips">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkTeaching tipsEducationComputer science and ITTeachingSchoolsPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsWed, 05 Nov 2014 17:00:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/05/remix-traditional-classroom-activities-teaching-tipsPhotograph: AlamyTry using a creative mix of traditional techniques and new technology when planning lessons. Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyTry using a creative mix of traditional techniques and new technology when planning lessons. Photograph: AlamyRachel Jones2014-11-05T17:00:06ZHistory teachers on Twitter: who to followhttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/05/history-teachers-twitter-follow
<p>Looking for a list of top history teacher tweeters? We separate the wheat from the chaff to identify the best historians on Twitter<br>• Got someone for the list? Share your suggestions in the comments thread or via <a href="https://twitter.com/GuardianTeach">@GuardianTeach</a><br></p><p>History teachers are well-versed with using creative techniques to explore historical subjects – from web chats with professors to exploring the provenance of food. And just like the battle of the titans, when it comes to the best tweeters and bloggers on history there are some heavy weight contenders competing for the top spots.</p><p>We’ve put together a list of names as a starter for 10. Don’t forget to add all the other fantastic suggestions in the comments section or via <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/GuardianTeach">@GuardianTeach</a></strong>. Keep up with the latest history chat via <strong>#historyteacher </strong>or<strong> #historybants</strong>.</p><p>At the Tower, viewing poppies, with everyone else in the world <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/historyteacherontour?src=hash">#historyteacherontour</a> <a href="http://t.co/FAkajYOUyy">pic.twitter.com/FAkajYOUyy</a></p><p>Productive day. This is what progress looks like for me! <a href="http://t.co/dwCa0R94QV">pic.twitter.com/dwCa0R94QV</a></p><p>This K&auml;the Kollwitz memorial to Karl Liebknecht (my fave item in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MemoriesOfANation?src=hash">#MemoriesOfANation</a>) is amazing <a href="http://t.co/OBOViFSVNo">pic.twitter.com/OBOViFSVNo</a></p><p>This is why <a href="https://twitter.com/LukeBagofNails">@LukeBagofNails</a> is my favourite pub <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pileokittens?src=hash">#pileokittens</a> <a href="http://t.co/TV2ealBlm9">pic.twitter.com/TV2ealBlm9</a></p><p>REVAMPED RESOURCE - Roman Army caption activity - homework or plenary activity <a href="http://t.co/vPBgHVN1b4">http://t.co/vPBgHVN1b4</a></p><p>Just watched Clare Balding's Secrets of a Suffragette documentary on Emily Davison. Essential viewing for teachers of this topic.</p><p>Talkin' loud and sayin' nothin'? Progressive v Traditional teachers <a href="http://t.co/X2brOfffil">http://t.co/X2brOfffil</a></p><p>Pleased to see <a href="https://twitter.com/berkhamsted6th">@berkhamsted6th</a> students in Berkhamsted Market as part of Young Enterprise. Also there next Saturday. <a href="http://t.co/NnALtCv0yR">pic.twitter.com/NnALtCv0yR</a></p><p>&quot;Classroom Pilgrimages&quot; - nice ideas for out-of-class learning : <a href="http://t.co/AWeWCMgKIl">http://t.co/AWeWCMgKIl</a> <a href="http://t.co/pGXdMbeNHT">pic.twitter.com/pGXdMbeNHT</a></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/historyteacher?src=hash">#historyteacher</a> 10 points if you know what this is :-) <a href="http://t.co/1rpiqFRa">pic.twitter.com/1rpiqFRa</a></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/05/history-teachers-twitter-follow">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationTeachingSchoolsPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsTeaching tipsHistory of artHistoryProfessional developmentWed, 05 Nov 2014 07:00:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/05/history-teachers-twitter-followPhotograph: AlamyTeaching medieval Britain or the first world war? Here are some inspiring history teachers for you to follow.Photograph: AlamyTeaching medieval Britain or the first world war? Here are some inspiring history teachers for you to follow.Sarah Marsh2014-11-05T07:00:05ZReady for a close up? 12 tips on how to use film creatively in classhttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/04/tips-use-film-creatively-class-advice-experts
<p>Think carefully about where the film will be shown and don’t rely on laptop speakers – our experts share their tips on using film successfully in lessons<br /></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/oct/10/how-to-use-film-creatively-in-class-teaching-tips-ideas-live-chat">How to use film creatively in class: teaching tips and ideas – live chat</a></li>
</ul><p>“More consideration needs to be given to the environment that the screening takes place in. Film is created to be screened in a large room, projected with surround sound. Few classrooms meet this requirement. Make sure that the speakers are good quality with no buzz. This is too often ignored.”</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/04/tips-use-film-creatively-class-advice-experts">Continue reading...</a>The role of film in schoolsTeacher NetworkEducationSchoolsPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsTeachingTeaching tipsTue, 04 Nov 2014 16:00:09 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/04/tips-use-film-creatively-class-advice-expertsPhotograph: Gareth Phillips/Gareth Phillips for the GuardianSetting up a room properly, dimming the lights and ensuring the sound is audible, are basic steps to using film effectively in lessons.Photograph: Gareth Phillips/Gareth Phillips for the GuardianSetting up a room properly, dimming the lights and ensuring the sound is audible, are basic steps to using film effectively in lessons.Sarah Marsh2014-11-04T16:00:09ZHow to teach ... war memorials and war poetryhttp://www.theguardian.com/education/teacher-blog/2012/oct/29/how-to-teach-war-memorials-poetry
As Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday approaches, help your students appreciate war memorials and war poetry with our handy lesson ideas<p>This year Armistice Day, commemorating the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 when the guns of the Western Front fell silent after four years of war, falls on a Tuesday – with Remembrance Sunday a few days before on 9 November. </p><p>The Guardian Teacher Network has some powerful resources focusing particularly on war memorials and war poetry to help schools mark these days.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/teacher-blog/2012/oct/29/how-to-teach-war-memorials-poetry">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationTeachingSchoolsTeaching tipsPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsRemembrance DayMon, 03 Nov 2014 17:34:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/teacher-blog/2012/oct/29/how-to-teach-war-memorials-poetrySean Davey/AFP/Getty ImagesEncourage students to think about the purpose of war memorials and introduce them to war poetry. Photograph: Sean Davey/AFP/Getty ImagesSean Davey/AFP/Getty ImagesEncourage students to think about the purpose of war memorials and introduce them to war poetry. Photograph: Sean Davey/AFP/Getty ImagesEmily Drabble updated by Sarah Marsh2014-11-03T17:34:00ZEffective teaching: 10 tips on what works and what doesn’thttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/oct/31/effective-teaching-10-tips
<p>A new report from the Sutton Trust has reviewed the evidence around successful teaching practices. Here are the key points you need to know</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/oct/31/improve-teacher-assess-schools-performance">How can we improve the way we assess teachers?</a></li></ul><p>The question of what makes a great teacher has been around for a long time. It’s an enquiry that poses many problems because there’s simply no set recipe for success, and different approaches work for different professionals and students.</p><p>The Sutton Trust has published a <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/oct/31/education-traditional-teaching-versus-progressive">report that reviews the research into effective teaching</a>, finding that popular practices, such as lavishing praise on students or allowing them to discover key things for themselves, actually have no grounding in research.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/oct/31/effective-teaching-10-tips">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationTeaching tipsProfessional developmentTeachingSchoolsPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsFri, 31 Oct 2014 10:53:16 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/oct/31/effective-teaching-10-tipsPhotograph: AlamyFrom learning styles to managing behaviour, here are the key points to take away from the Sutton Trust’s research on what makes a great teacher. Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyFrom learning styles to managing behaviour, here are the key points to take away from the Sutton Trust’s research on what makes a great teacher. Photograph: AlamySarah Marsh2014-10-31T10:53:16ZWhat makes great teaching? – expert viewshttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/oct/31/great-teaching-expert-opinions
<p>A new report has reviewed all the research into what makes teaching effective. Our experts share their thoughts about the findings – have your say in the comments thread or tweet us @GuardianTeach</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/oct/31/education-traditional-teaching-versus-progressive">Education study finds in favour of traditional teaching styles</a></li><li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/19/teacher-workloads-job-changed">How have teacher workloads changed over the past 25 years?</a></li></ul><p>Popular teaching methods, such as lavishing praise on pupils and grouping students by ability, are not based on evidence and can harm student development, a report has found.</p><p><a href="http://www.suttontrust.com/researcharchive/great-teaching/">The Sutton Trust examined 200 pieces of research</a> on what makes great teaching, concluding that some common practices have no grounding in research while other less popular approaches can be effective. The report found that the two most important elements of great teaching were the quality of instruction and how well a teacher knew their subject.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/oct/31/great-teaching-expert-opinions">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationProfessional developmentTeaching tipsSchoolsTeachingPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsFri, 31 Oct 2014 07:00:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/oct/31/great-teaching-expert-opinionsPhotograph: AlamyWould the millions spent on the Govian dash to academies and free schools have been better spent on supporting the professional development of our teachers?Photograph: AlamyWould the millions spent on the Govian dash to academies and free schools have been better spent on supporting the professional development of our teachers?Sarah Marsh and Kate Hodge2014-10-31T07:00:05ZHow teachers can support transgender studentshttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/oct/29/transgender-supporting-students-school-lgbt
<p>Research shows 90% of primary and secondary school staff have had no training to support LGBT students. Teacher Allie George explores how to make your classroom safe and inclusive</p><p>While the average secondary school will have enough lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students to make up two full classes, <a href="http://www.stonewall.org.uk/documents/the_teachers_report_1.pdf">90% of primary and secondary teachers and non-teaching staff report having had no training to support LGBT students, according to Stonewall</a>. For many teachers, it can be a struggle to know how best to support students, especially when there are no policies and procedures in place.</p><p>Teachers can use these relatively simple techniques to ensure a basic level of inclusion and care for transgender students in their classroom:</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/oct/29/transgender-supporting-students-school-lgbt">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkTeaching tipsEducationTeachingEqualityLGBT rightsSchoolsPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsWed, 29 Oct 2014 07:00:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/oct/29/transgender-supporting-students-school-lgbtPhotograph: AlamyCreating a safe environment for transgender students will send a message of acceptance in schools. Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyCreating a safe environment for transgender students will send a message of acceptance in schools. Photograph: AlamyAllie George2014-10-29T07:00:05ZIf you think film only works for teaching the arts – think againhttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/oct/21/using-film-teaching-arts-think-again-cross-curricular
<p>Using film in the classroom isn’t a perk reserved for English and drama. Teacher Elizabeth Evans explores how science, geography and maths students can benefit </p><p>I ventured to the back of the science lab, clipboard and observation sheet in hand. A group of hyperactive year 7 students followed me, high on sugar after lunch. It was the second to last period and I couldn’t help but worry for the newly-qualified teacher (NQT) I was about to observe.</p><p>He took the register and tried to settle the class. One threw a paper clip, another put his head on the desk while his friend yawned loudly. Nervously, the teacher spoke: “Everyone focus on the images on the board. As you watch, work out what we are going to be learning about today.” The teacher dimmed the lights and carefully chosen, short but shocking clips from <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0497116/" rel="nofollow">An Inconvenient Truth </a>lit up the classroom. The room fell silent and heads rose from desks. The students had to write down a learning question based on the emotive images they had seen. “All learners now on task and engaged,” I wrote.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/oct/21/using-film-teaching-arts-think-again-cross-curricular">Continue reading...</a>The role of film in schoolsTeacher NetworkEducationTeaching tipsTeachingPrimary schoolsSchoolsSecondary schoolsMedia and film studiesTue, 21 Oct 2014 16:00:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/oct/21/using-film-teaching-arts-think-again-cross-curricularPhotograph: Sportsphoto/Allstar/Cinetext CollectionFilms such as Cool Runnings could be used to help teach students about speed, distance and time. Photograph: Sportsphoto/Allstar/Cinetext CollectionPhotograph: Sportsphoto/Allstar/Cinetext CollectionFilms such as Cool Runnings could be used to help teach students about speed, distance and time. Photograph: Sportsphoto/Allstar/Cinetext CollectionElizabeth Evans2014-10-21T16:00:05ZHow to teach … Halloween craftshttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/oct/20/how-to-teach-halloween-crafts
Ever used pumpkin carving designs to teach reflective symmetry? Use art to trick your students into an educational treat<p>Halloween has become a major event in many school calendars, with fun days and fancy dress parades galore.</p><p>This week the Guardian Teacher Network is getting into the spirit of All Hallows’ eve with a goody bag of themed arts and crafts lesson ideas – perfect for tricking students into an educational treat.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/oct/20/how-to-teach-halloween-crafts">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationTeaching tipsTeachingSchoolsPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsCraftHalloweenPrimary school teaching resourcesMon, 20 Oct 2014 16:00:24 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/oct/20/how-to-teach-halloween-craftsPhotograph: Gary Calton/Gary CaltonTrick or treat? Let pupils show their creative side this Halloween with our spooky teaching resources. Photograph: Gary CaltonPhotograph: Gary Calton/Gary CaltonTrick or treat? Let pupils show their creative side this Halloween with our spooky teaching resources. Photograph: Gary CaltonGuardian Staff2014-10-20T16:00:24ZVideo killed the textbook: teacher tips on using film in classhttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/oct/14/-sp-teacher-tips-film-class-lessons
<p>From revamping Miley Cyrus’s Wrecking Ball to screening archive clips of World War One, five teachers share their innovative ways of using video in lessons</p><p>You might not want your school to be taken over by television cameras like <a href="http://www.channel4.com/programmes/educating-the-east-end">Educating the East End</a>, but introducing a taste of the silver screen to the classroom is a smart way to engage students.</p><p>If you need to spark a debate, give instructions or share some subject context, video can be a powerful tool in your armoury, whether that’s through feature films, TV clips, YouTube videos, or homemade films.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/oct/14/-sp-teacher-tips-film-class-lessons">Continue reading...</a>The role of film in schoolsTeacher NetworkEducationTeaching tipsTeachingPrimary schoolsSchoolsSecondary schoolsMedia and film studiesTue, 14 Oct 2014 06:00:18 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/oct/14/-sp-teacher-tips-film-class-lessonsPhotograph: PRFilm can be used to engage students across many curriculum subjects. Photograph: PRPhotograph: PRFilm can be used to engage students across many curriculum subjects. Photograph: PRMartin Williams2014-10-14T06:00:18ZHow to use film creatively in class: teaching tips and ideas – live chathttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/oct/10/how-to-use-film-creatively-in-class-teaching-tips-ideas-live-chat
<p><strong>Sponsored Q&amp;A:</strong> From feature films to Vines, how can film be used in lessons to inspire students? Join us on Wednesday 15 October from 5:30pm to 7:30pm for advice</p><p>Wheeling out the TV and showing a movie has long been the teacher’s secret weapon to calm a distracted class at the end of term. But now many teachers in the UK are using film more creatively in their lessons.</p><p>Former teacher Adwoa Oforiwa uses the storytelling element of films, such as Oliver Twist, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2013/jan/23/storytelling-film-engage-pupils-literature-education">to improve her students’ narrative writing</a>. In a blog for the Guardian, Oforiwa writes: “In the classroom, film is more than just the carrot after the stick of ploughing through a book with young people. <br /></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/oct/10/how-to-use-film-creatively-in-class-teaching-tips-ideas-live-chat">Continue reading...</a>The role of film in schoolsTeacher NetworkEducationSchoolsPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsTeachingTeaching tipsFri, 10 Oct 2014 06:00:07 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/oct/10/how-to-use-film-creatively-in-class-teaching-tips-ideas-live-chatPhotograph: Corbis Bridge/AlamyHow can teachers use film in the classroom? Share your ideas and ask questions in our online chat.Photograph: Corbis Bridge/AlamyHow can teachers use film in the classroom? Share your ideas and ask questions in our online chat.Photograph: Corbis Bridge/Alamy/AlamyClapper board with film box and film reelPhotograph: Corbis Bridge/Alamy/AlamyClapper board with film box and film reelSarah Marsh and Matthew Jenkin2014-10-10T06:00:07ZHow to teach … space and the solar systemhttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/sep/29/how-to-teach-space-planets-astronomy-solar-system
<p>Need some out-of-this-world lesson ideas to help you teach about space and the planets? Here are the best resources from the Guardian Teacher Network</p><p>Space exploration is always reaching new heights, with <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/sep/22/nasa-maven-spacecraft-arrives-mars">missions to Mars</a> and plans to land a probe on a comet after a <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/sep/15/comet-landing-site-rosetta-philae-67p-churyumov-gerasimenko">10-year journey through the solar system</a> currently under way.</p><p>To celebrate <a href="http://www.worldspaceweek.org/">World Space Week</a> from Friday 4 Ocober to Friday 10 October, we’ve collected a range of primary and secondary resources about all things space-related – and we can safely say they’re out of this world.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/sep/29/how-to-teach-space-planets-astronomy-solar-system">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationTeaching tipsSchoolsPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsTeachingSpaceScienceScienceMon, 29 Sep 2014 16:00:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/sep/29/how-to-teach-space-planets-astronomy-solar-systemPhotograph: AlamyNavigate your class through space and the solar system with our range of teaching resources. Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyNavigate your class through space and the solar system with our range of teaching resources. Photograph: AlamyGuardian Staff2014-09-29T16:00:05ZHow to teach ... the harvesthttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/sep/22/how-to-teach-the-harvest-bread-food
<p>Bake your own bread or track the journey of food around the world – we offer a basket of fresh ideas for exploring the harvest</p><p>Harvest festivals, traditionally a time of feasting and giving thanks, have been around for centuries. They’re a great opportunity to teach children about where food comes from.</p><p>Bread is the theme of this year’s <a href="http://www.christianaid.org.uk/index.aspx" title="">harvest resources from Christian Aid</a>. With 12 million loaves sold in Britain every day, you can challenge primary school students to think about how important bread is to our diet <a href="http://teachers.theguardian.com/teacher-resources/17417/Christian-Aid-Harvest-Assembly-Primary" title="">using the charity’s assembly</a> and <a href="http://teachers.theguardian.com/teacher-resources/17418/Christian-Aid-Harvest-Presentation-Primary" title="">presentation</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/sep/22/how-to-teach-the-harvest-bread-food">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkTeaching tipsEducationPrimary schoolsSchoolsSecondary schoolsTeachingGreen schoolsMon, 22 Sep 2014 16:22:33 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/sep/22/how-to-teach-the-harvest-bread-foodPhotograph: SpecialistStock / Barcroft Media/BiosphotoAutumn is approaching so we have a crop of ideas and lesson resources to help you teach the harvest. Photograph: Barcroft Media/BiosphotoPhotograph: SpecialistStock / Barcroft Media/BiosphotoAutumn is approaching so we have a crop of ideas and lesson resources to help you teach the harvest. Photograph: Barcroft Media/BiosphotoGuardian professional2014-09-22T16:22:33ZDon't overlook your school librarian, they're the unsung heroes of literacyhttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/sep/18/school-librarian-literacy-support-teacher-students
<p>School librarians are depressingly underused, argues Sally Dring. Many teachers would be amazed at how much support they can give them and their students</p><p>When talking about teaching and learning, most people don’t immediately think of librarians. But in a school where the librarian or learning resource centre manager is valued and properly made use of, we can teach important skills.</p><p>Librarians are in the privileged position of being able to work with teachers across all subjects and students of all ages, observing the inner workings of a school from a slight distance.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/sep/18/school-librarian-literacy-support-teacher-students">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationTeaching tipsPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsLibrariesBooksLiteracyTeachingSchoolsEnglish and creative writingThu, 18 Sep 2014 06:00:17 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/sep/18/school-librarian-literacy-support-teacher-studentsPhotograph: Alamy‘Many school librarians are seen purely as minders of a spare IT suite or as date label stampers.’ Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: Alamy‘Many school librarians are seen purely as minders of a spare IT suite or as date label stampers.’ Photograph: AlamySally Dring2014-09-18T06:00:17ZTop on Twitter: which music teachers should I follow?http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/sep/08/music-teachers-follow-twitter
<p>Here’s our list of some of the best tweeters out there covering everything from lesson planning to music based chat</p><p>“Without music, life would be a mistake,” German philosopher Friedrich Nietzche famously said. <br /></p><p>There’s no denying that music ignites passion in many and research shows that it can have a very positive <a href="http://blog.bufferapp.com/music-and-the-brain">impact on children’s discipline and confidence in class</a>. <br /></p><p>Can't wait to make something similar to this for my classroom <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/musicalmessages?src=hash">#musicalmessages</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/crackthecode?src=hash">#crackthecode</a> <a href="http://t.co/efhoxZsAzA">pic.twitter.com/efhoxZsAzA</a></p><p>&quot;...learning is always more successful when you do what you love rather than what you must.&quot; <a href="http://t.co/EbxowGbYXt">http://t.co/EbxowGbYXt</a></p><p>My 5 year old (Suzuki violin) just asked me if he should play in A major or D major. I've never taught him formal theory! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/learnincontext?src=hash">#learnincontext</a></p><p>My first blog post: Magic Marking with the interactive &quot;Music Making Map&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ukedchat?src=hash">#ukedchat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ukmusiced?src=hash">#ukmusiced</a> <a href="http://t.co/HLujc3xWXt">http://t.co/HLujc3xWXt</a> <a href="http://t.co/KERFfqenIp">pic.twitter.com/KERFfqenIp</a></p><p>What can I say? ... From the Archive: Why do so many musicians have long hair? <a href="http://t.co/v2nKxIi6nH">http://t.co/v2nKxIi6nH</a></p><p>I let my year 10s take my lesson for me today. I was impressed with their resources and plan to steal them! <a href="http://t.co/Wi3YbriZcy">pic.twitter.com/Wi3YbriZcy</a></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/sep/08/music-teachers-follow-twitter">Continue reading...</a>Teaching tipsTeacher NetworkEducationTeachingMusicMon, 08 Sep 2014 06:00:12 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/sep/08/music-teachers-follow-twitterPhotograph: AlamyHere are some top music teachers to follow on Twitter.Photograph: AlamyHere are some top music teachers to follow on Twitter.Lisa Spiller and Sarah Marsh2014-09-08T06:00:12ZHow to help students in your new class get to know each otherhttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/sep/04/tips-new-school-class-getting-to-know-each-other
A new term means new teaching group. Here are three ways to help your class to get along by creating a learning community<br /><br />• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/sep/04/tips-good-first-impression-new-school-class" title="">Three tips for making a good first impression on your new class</a><p>When I started my very first teaching job it became clear very quickly that the students in my class, as well as getting to know me, didn’t seem to know each other very well either. They certainly were not ready to learn together and to get the most out of my pupils you have to build a community first.</p><p>As teachers prepare to go back to school – with many taking on new students this autumn – I want to share some of my tips on how to do this. The classroom needs to be a place where children feel that they can succeed but also not be afraid to fail. It is through failing that we learn our most valuable lessons. I’ve picked up lots of ideas over the years on building not just a good classroom environment, but a learning community as well. Here are a few:</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/sep/04/tips-new-school-class-getting-to-know-each-other">Continue reading...</a>Teaching tipsTeacher NetworkEducationSchoolsPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsThu, 04 Sep 2014 15:50:09 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/sep/04/tips-new-school-class-getting-to-know-each-otherPhotograph: Don McpheePlay a game as an ice-breaker for a new class. Photograph: Don McpheePhotograph: Don McpheePlay a game as an ice-breaker for a new class. Photograph: Don McpheeMarie Hazel2014-09-04T15:50:09Z